Key takeaways
- A door entry intercom system is a device that controls access to a door by empowering visitors to request entry from tenants.
- Door entry intercom systems work by establishing a connection between base stations and substations that enable visitors to communicate with tenants and request building access.
- Some key features to consider before investing in a door intercom system are the type of property you have, whether the system offers video capabilities, and whether it’s wireless.
Maintaining security at any building starts at the front door. While tenants and staff members may have a key or credential to unlock the door, how do you ensure secure access for visitors? To manage access through any door, you need a door entry system.
A door entry intercom enables visitors to request property access — and in many cases, it also provides easy access methods for tenants, too. Join us as we explore how to choose the best intercom door entry system for your building. Then, learn more about how they work and what to consider when purchasing one.
Navigate this post:
- Top 3 door entry intercom systems
- What is a door entry intercom system?
- How does a door entry intercom system work?
- What to consider when buying a door entry intercom system
- Door entry intercom system FAQs
Top 3 door entry intercom systems
Door entry systems serve as the first line of defense for controlling access to your property. Additionally, intercoms are stand-out features that should impress people when encountering your property for the first time. So naturally, you need the best door entry intercom systems to ensure safety and security while improving the property’s beauty.
Based on our research, here are our picks of the three best door entry intercom systems:
1. ButterflyMX
The ButterflyMX video intercom is the best door entry intercom system. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews, it is the most trusted entry system on the market.
As an IP intercom, ButterflyMX empowers residents and staff to manage access from anywhere. With ButterflyMX, there’s no need to copy keys, hand out fobs, or worry about lockouts.
What makes ButterflyMX the best door entry intercom system?
- Video intercom. Our cutting-edge video intercom empowers tenants to launch two-way video calls with guests and service providers before letting them in. What’s more, it merges style with functionality, so the modern and sleek interface has a 156° wide-angle camera that allows you to see all entry activity from every angle.
- Mobile app. Our top-rated mobile app empowers tenants to open any door, gate, or access point with a swipe on their smartphones for their convenience.
- Cloud-based. Building owners and operators love ButterflyMX for its simple cloud-based software. Powered by the ButterflyMX OS, the property management dashboard allows you to adjust access permissions and oversee your tenant directory on the go. You can even connect ButterflyMX to other proptech you’re already using, like smart locks and property management software.
- Audit logs. Access time- and date-stamped photos of all entry events from a single dashboard in the case of a security incident.
- Delivery passes and virtual keys. Not only can tenants gain access with just a smartphone or PIN code — they can remotely grant access to visitors and delivery couriers, too.
- Smart lock integrations. ButterflyMX integrates with numerous smart lock models that make property-wide access simple for everyone at your building.
Discover how ButterflyMX works:
2. Safe and Sound Security
Google rating: 4.4/5
With over 19 years of experience, Safe and Sound Security is one of the leading companies providing the best door intercom systems for businesses and apartments. Moreover, they partner with trusted access control providers like ButterflyMX to provide high-quality installations and maintenance services.
Here’s what Safe and Sound Security has to offer:
- Innovative solutions integrate with Apple and Android smartphone devices so that tenants can open doors with their smartphones.
- Intuitive RFID technology replaces traditional keys with programmable key fobs.
- Modern commercial lock systems provide a comprehensive log of entry records for your peace of mind.
- Professional installers are certified, meaning they have the experience you need to recommend installing, integrating, and configuring your system.
3. Comelit
Google rating: 3.8/5
Comelit offers flexible and customizable door entry solutions, from single-family homes to gated communities, making it one of the best door intercom systems for homes and commercial properties.
Here’s what Comelit has to offer:
- Comelit’s door entry systems can use pre-existing wires, making installing and upgrading your old system easier than ever.
- Scalable and can accommodate anywhere from one to 1,000 doors depending on your expansion needs.
- Offers aesthetically pleasing Italian designs that will compliment any building or wall.
- Comelit products suit any environment, from homes to large properties with advanced access needs.
What is a door entry intercom system?
A door entry intercom system is an electronic device that controls access to a door by allowing visitors to request entry from tenants. These systems allow you to keep doors locked for security while providing a way for tenants and authorized visitors to enter easily.
To do this, visitors call a tenant using the intercom system, and then tenants remotely unlock the door using the same system.
Door entry intercom systems consist of hardware installed at the door. In addition to the hardware at the entrance, these systems include devices that residents use to grant remote access. These hardware components are called intercom door stations.
What is an intercom door station?
An intercom door station is one component of an intercom entry system. However, there are two kinds of intercom door stations: base stations and substations.
Base stations are installed at the front door to control access to the property. Visitors use intercom base stations to request property access by calling a resident.
In contrast, substations are installed within the building, often within each unit. Tenants use these intercom door stations to answer calls from visitors and grant them property access remotely. An intercom substation could be one of many devices, from wall-mounted screens to tenants’ own smartphones.
How does a door entry intercom system work?
Door entry intercom systems establish a connection between base stations and substations, enabling visitors to communicate with tenants and request building access.
First, visitors at the door contact a specific tenant (or a staff member, if the building provides that option). Then, when a visitor calls a tenant, the door entry system’s base station establishes a connection with that tenant’s substation.
After a tenant answers the call, they can open the door for their visitor. Further door entry intercom systems require a door release mechanism, which unlocks the door upon receiving a signal from the intercom. As a result, you’ll need to ensure your door has an electronic or magnetic lock to enable remote access.
What to consider when buying a door entry intercom system
When shopping for a door entry intercom, consider a few factors before purchasing one.
These are the key considerations before buying a door entry intercom:
Type of building
First, consider the type of building where you’ll install your entry system. For a multifamily property, you’ll want an apartment intercom system. But for an office building, you’ll need a commercial door entry system.
Some intercom entry systems are designed specifically for one type of building. However, others are multipurpose and can be installed on virtually any property.
So, when researching intercoms, double-check that the system works in the kind of building you own or manage.
Video capabilities
Outdated buzzer systems only allow visitors and tenants to talk to each other — they can’t see each other. Fortunately, some modern intercom entry systems have video-calling capabilities.
A video door entry system has a camera built into the base station at the entrance. When a visitor uses the system to contact a resident, the camera enables a video call so residents can see who’s at the door. Visitors can see tenants during the video call if the system’s substations include a camera.
A video door entry system enhances security by empowering residents to visually confirm who’s requesting access before letting them in. Whether replacing an old intercom or purchasing one for a new development, buying a video intercom system is in your best interest.
Wiring
Door entry intercom systems can be wired or wireless. For best results, choose a wireless front door intercom.
A wireless door entry intercom system enables visitors and tenants to communicate without wired hardware. Since the system operates over a wireless connection, you don’t have to spend time or money ripping up floors or tearing down walls to lay wiring. In contrast, a wired door intercom is difficult to install, and the cost of wiring plus hardware adds up quickly.
The benefits of choosing a wireless door intercom include:
- Simpler and cheaper installation
- Easier maintenance
- No need to purchase expensive wiring
- It’s easier to replace the system if you want to upgrade in the future
Hardware options
Pick a system with durable yet easy-to-use hardware when purchasing a door entry intercom. Remember, you’ll need two hardware components: the entrance’s base station and the building’s substations.
For best results, choose a system with base station hardware that:
- Has a touchscreen
- Is IP65 rated (especially if you’ll be installing an outdoor door entry intercom system)
- Adds curb appeal to your building
A modern touchscreen intercom is the way to go because it’s intuitive and sleek in any building.
As for substation hardware, it’s better to eliminate the in-unit hardware. Instead, choose a door entry intercom that operates with tenants’ smartphones. That way, you’ll save time and money installing hardware throughout the building. Plus, tenants will enjoy the convenience of using a device they already have in their pockets.
Features
An old apartment buzzer system has little to offer—just a few buttons to talk to a visitor and open the door. However, modern door entry intercom systems offer additional features that improve the access experience.
To enjoy all the best features, choose an IP door entry system. IP entry systems operate over the internet, enabling great convenience-focused features. Not only will those features simplify access, but they’ll help improve the resident experience at your building.
Look for these desirable features when choosing an intercom system:
- Virtual keys or digital access codes for guests
- Delivery PIN codes and passes for couriers to easily gain access
- Keyless entry methods (the best keyless entry solution is mobile app-based access)
- Remote system management, ideally from a cloud-based dashboard
- Integrations with other proptech
Door entry intercom system FAQs
Here are some common questions about door entry intercom systems:
- What is the difference between a doorbell and an intercom?
- What is an intercom entry system?
- How do you open a door with an intercom?
What is the difference between a doorbell and an intercom?
The main difference between a doorbell and an intercom lies in their capabilities. A doorbell relies solely on an audio signal or chime to alert you when a visitor is at your door. In contrast, an intercom not only alerts you of a guest’s presence but empowers you to communicate with your visitor before letting them in.
What is an intercom entry system?
An intercom entry system is a two-way communication system that controls access to your building by providing tenants and visitors a way to communicate before granting guest access.
How do you open a door with an intercom?
To open a door with an intercom, a door release mechanism automatically grants someone access once authorized to enter your building by your intercom system.
